Norwegian airport-automation company Roboxi has raised €13 million in new equity financing to scale operations and expand its AI-driven systems for airside runway operations. The Stavanger-based firm said the round, announced in late May, drew support from both new and existing investors, primarily from Norway's Rogaland region.
Robots that watch the runway
Roboxi develops autonomous runway systems designed to handle several airport inspection and maintenance tasks at once: detecting foreign object debris, monitoring runway conditions, identifying faulty lights and deterring birds. The company says its modular robotic platform reduces the need for manual inspections while continuously collecting operational data to improve airport efficiency, a parallel to AI-driven autonomous inspection spreading across heavy industry.
"The successful completion of this share issue marks an important milestone for the company," chief executive Magnus O. Finnesand said. "The capital raised will enable us to scale operations, deliver on already committed and expected contracts, strengthen our market position and continue investing in innovation and growth opportunities."
A track record across major airports
Founded in 2018, Roboxi has secured regulatory approval for autonomous systems on runways, taxiways and aprons in collaboration with Norwegian airport operator Avinor and the country's aviation authorities. The company says it built what it describes as the first AI-based system to automatically detect and collect foreign object debris from airport surfaces, alongside lighting-inspection systems that flag defective lights and measure their performance, high-speed 3D laser surface inspection, and wildlife and bird detection and deterrence.
The technology has been deployed or tested with airports including Schiphol, Frankfurt, Florence, Dallas and Stavanger. Automating the apron complements wider airport robotics efforts such as humanoid robots now working inside terminals, as operators look to cut delays and improve safety on the busiest stretches of pavement in aviation.
Scaling deployments globally
Roboxi said the funding will support delivery of existing projects while expanding deployments worldwide. "The strong support from both new and existing investors validates Roboxi's vision, technology, and the strong momentum we are experiencing in the market," said Knut Molaug, chairman of the board and one of the main investors. The raise adds to a busy stretch of commercial robotics deployment as operators automate dull, dirty and safety-critical tasks.
Reporting based on coverage from AI Insider and EU-Startups.